[WATCH] Inquiry launched into the polluted Roodeplaat Dam
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched a probe into the state of the Roodeplaat Dam and the City of Tshwane’s apparent failure to curb pollution.
The city allocated R30 million to upgrade a local waste water treatment plant, but the state of the Roodeplaat Dam indicates that the monies might have been misappropriated.
Residents living along Rienaars River have filed complaints with the commission, saying human waste is floating into the river.
The commission has decided to broaden its scope of the water crisis in Tshwane to include the efficiently of waste water treatment plants in the capitol.
“A probe into the state of waste water treatment plants in the City of Tshwane, their impact on water quality and other fundamental rights,” said provincial manager, Buang Jones.
Residents say the metro attributed the pollution of the dam to cable theft in 2017.
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MMC for Utility Services Abel Tau admitted that the city is partly to blame for the pollution due to the failure to upgrade the local waste water treatment plant.
“It’s really unfortunate and sad. I would go as far to say that I am ashamed that we got to this point but I also take full responsibility,” said Tau.
Tau urged residents to participate in the upcoming inquiry.
“We need to get our act together, we need to turn things around as in yesterday – and this is the attitude we need to adopt.”